Magic moments

Underdogs keep trying

Afghanistan's rugby sevens team was undoubtedly outclassed at the Asiad, with the scoreboard soaring to a daunting 52-0 deficit in just 16 minutes in one match. However, for the team, who finished 12th in the event, merely stepping onto the Asiad pitch was a victory in itself considering the country's troubled recent history.

The Afghan team was assembled from players who hail from a diverse range of professions — from construction workers to drivers — with many based in different countries. Without official sponsorship, they self-funded their trip to Hangzhou, arriving just five days before their first match.

"Afghanistan has been through a lot of hardship over the past 40 to 50 years," said team captain Omar Slaimankhel. "Hopefully we can keep making (the Afghan people) proud."